Disney's California Food & Wine Festival is scheduled for April 24 to June 7, 2009, and a listing of many of the signature and complimentary events is now available on the event Web site (link). Returning favorites include the Napa Rose Cooking School with Executive Chef Andrew Sutton; Introduction to Wine Tasting class with Master Sommelier Michael Jordan; Winemaker Dinners at Steakhouse 55; and Taste, now offered on two consecutive evenings. The schedule is also packed with new events like a "Vineyard Conversation" with John and Nancy Lasseter (yes, that John Lasseter) of the Lasseter Family Winery; Sweet Sundays; World Celebration Dinners; and a much-requested Advanced Wine Course. Pricing and event specifics have not yet been finalized, and online registration for these Signature Events starts February 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

The Festival will once again offer a schedule of complimentary events, including the Wine, Beer and Spirits Education and Tasting Seminars; Culinary Demonstrations and the Junior Chef program. The schedule of these complimentary events has not yet been published.

As one Downtown Disney store was winding up its final week of operation, another tenant began quietly liquidating inventory in preparation for a store closing. Illuminations announced last month that it would close all of its retail locations, including the Anaheim store. Like the recently closed Department 56 store, Illuminations was an original Downtown Disney tenant, and cut the size of their store by half in 2006. The leftover space was leased to watch and handbag designer Fossil. Employees at Illuminations say the store will remain open through the end of March.

While younger children will have to wait until April for Disneyland to open the Bibbidy Bobbity Boutique next to Sleeping Beauty Castle, the "I'm too old for princesses" set has already turned to Downtown Disney Sephora store for their makeup fix. As Club Libby Lu employees swept out the nearly vacant store Saturday night, a cluster of preteen girls crowded around the makeup displays at Sephora, giggling as they applied lipstick and eyeliner to one another.

Employees pack up shortly after Club Libby Lu closes for the final time Saturday evening. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The point chart for the first Disney Vacation Club property at Walt Disney World was released last week, and pre-sales to current DVC members who previously purchased through the Disneyland Resort sales office began on January 25. The pre-sale period last through March 25, after which remaining inventory may be made available to other DVC members and/or the general public, though DVC has not yet made that information available. Cast members say the Villas are expected to open by Thanksgiving 2009.

DVC members wishing to add the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel to their DVC portfolio must purchase a minimum of 100 points at a rate of $112 per point, less a $5-per-point promotional discount, and potential owners are going to need to buy a lot of points to pay for their Disneyland Resort vacation. The Grand Californian Villas have only 48 2-bedroom-equivalent units, making it the smallest DVC property by far, and rooms require 25-75% more points per night than comparable rooms at the Walt Disney World DVC properties. David Koenig presents a comparison between Disneyland and Walt Disney World point requirements in his MousePlanet blog (link). The 2010 point chart is below:

April 11-30
May 1-31
June 1-27
October 1-31
November 1-22
November 28-30
December 1-16

Sun-Thur: 17
Fri-Sat: 29
Weekly: 143

Sun-Thur: 34
Fri-Sat: 60
Weekly: 290

Sun-Thur: 45
Fri-Sat: 80
Weekly: 385

Sun-Thur: 93
Fri-Sat: 166
Weekly: 797

Magic Season

February 21-28
March 1-25
June 28-30
July 1-31
August 1-31
September 1-4

Sun-Thur: 23
Fri-Sat: 40
Weekly: 195

Sun-Thur: 46
Fri-Sat: 80
Weekly: 390

Sun-Thur: 62
Fri-Sat: 110
Weekly: 530

Sun-Thur: 134
Fri-Sat: 235
Weekly: 1140

Premiere Season

January 1-2
March 26-31
April 1-10
November 23-27
December 17-31

Sun-Thur: 27
Fri-Sat: 46
Weekly: 227

Sun-Thur: 55
Fri-Sat: 94
Weekly: 463

Sun-Thur: 76
Fri-Sat: 135
Weekly: 650

Sun-Thur: 160
Fri-Sat: 280
Weekly: 1360

A member of the MouseOwners.com message board posted today that his "guide" (DVC-speak for salesperson) shared some incentives for DVC owners who buy or add on points at either Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary Hotel (link).

Add on 100 points: a 3 night cruise for 4 people* (160 for new members).

Add on 125 points: a 4 night cruise for 4 people* (200 for new members).

Add on 200 points: a 7 night cruise for 4 people* (270 for new members).

* One category 9 stateroom, does not include taxes, port fees or fuel surcharge.

The most dramatic project continues at Disney's California Adventure, where construction continues inside the drained Paradise Bay. Forklifts and work trucks frequently drive right alongside the launch track for California Screamin', and the floor of the Bay bristles with equipment being installed for the Disney's World of Color show. The Sun Wheel is still closed for renovation, and the new paint job is nearly complete.

Paradise Bay is drained during construction. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A California Screamin' coaster prepares to launch as a work vehicle drives alongside. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Paradise Bay is drained during construction. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A sign next to the drained Bay gives a preview of the upcoming Disney's World of Color show. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Work continues on the Sun Wheel renovation. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The bottom of the Bay is marked with notes for the construction crews. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

With the nail-biting fourth-quarter win of the Pittsburgh Steelers, chances are that its quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, will announce his plans to go to a Disney theme park. But those who watched the half-time show with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band may have wondered if Springsteen was speaking in earnest when he yelled, "I'm going to Disneyland!" at the end of their 12-minute musical set. "The Boss" may have just been having fun, or he may actually be heading to the California park. Either way, the park got a bit of a plug during the SuperBowl... from someone other than a football player.

...Brandon Zucker, the then 4-year-old child who was severely injured in an 2000 accident on Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin at Disneyland, died last week at age 13. Kimi Yoshino from the Los Angeles Times has more about the accident in her article (link).

...Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can get a sneak peek preview of the newly refurbished "it's a small world" attraction this Thursday, February 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. No advance registration is required—just present your valid annual pass to the cast members at the attraction. As usual, Disney reminds everyone that previews are on a first-come, first-serve basis and may involve long wait times, and that "each Guest must show a valid Annual Passport to be permitted entry during this specific preview time. Valid Theme Park admission is required. Event subject to change without notice." If you cannot make it to the preview, the ride reopens to the public on Friday, February 6, 2009.

Colorful What Will You Celebrate floral arrangements line Main Street, USA. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

...Artist Dave Avanzino and Disney Legend Alice Davis will appear at Disneyland for a product release and signing at the Disneyana shop on February 28, 2009 from 10 a.m. to Noon (link). Releases include Avanzino's popular mixed-media paper sculptures, and replicas of doll costumes designed by Alice Davis (link).

...The Disneyland Resort Web site was updated last week with the information that the Celebration BBQ at Big Thunder Ranch would open on Wednesday, April 1 2009. The Disney Dine Line usually accepts priority seating reservations 60 days in advance, but MousePlanet readers and staff who called for information this weekend were told that reservations were not yet available, and at least one Dine Line cast member said that the BBQ won't reopen until May or June. We're trying to get more information from Disney, and we'll post updated info as soon as we have it.

MousePlanet will celebrate our Web site's "birthday" at the Celebration BBQ on Saturday, July 18 2009. Stay posted for additional information as it becomes available.

Disneyland Resort Ambassador Danielle DuBois distributes Mickey Mouse balloons during the What Will You Celebrate Tour stop at San Francisco's Pier 39. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

...The What Will You Celebrate Tour will make stops in Fresno and Las Vegas this week:

Tuesday, February 3
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Fashion Fair Mall
645 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710

Friday, February 6
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Town Square Mall
6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Disney cast members and characters will distribute thousands of free Mickey Mouse balloons at each location. You can register to win a "Disney Celebration Vacation," and can also pre-register to receive free admission on your birthday. The West coast tour continues on to Salt Lake City, UT on February 10; Phoenix, AZ on February 16 and San Diego, CA on February 18 (link). If you can't attend a tour stop in person, you can register for the sweepstakes on the tour Web site (link).

The What Will You Celebrate Tour travels to Fresno, CA and Las Vegas, NV this week. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

...Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates. The Disneyland Resort Web site is currently only publishing refurbishment information about 6 weeks in advance. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.

Disneyland

Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams– originally said to be dark through February 13, 2009, Disney has now announced that this parade will not return due to a repaving project on Main Street. The "Celebrate! street party" is scheduled to begin on March 27.

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

Spring

Mini Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – Event planners have not formally announced the dates for their Spring event, but based on past scheduling it will likely be the weekend of April 3-5 (link).

Disney's California Food and Wine Festival – Daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009. No additional details are available at this time.

MouseAdventure – Sunday, April 26 (competitive event) and Sunday, May 10 (noncompetitive event) at the Disneyland Resort (link). Additional details will be announced as available, so be sure to register for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to receive future announcements (link).

Fall

Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event – Wednesday, September 9. (link). All four event packages are now sold out.

UEA / "Utah Escapes to Anaheim" – October 1-2. (link). Expect unusually large attendance levels as Utahn students and families take advantage of an education convention.

12th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – October 2-4. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).

CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 19. Registration will open in the summer (link). Team MousePlanet will once again participate in this event, and additional details will be announced as they are available.

Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!

This first section is a list of discounts on ticket-only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts.

This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).

One Day, One Park Regularly $69/$59

One Day Park Hopper Regularly $94/$84

Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know.)

Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $143/$123

2009 "Southern California 2Fer Ticket" ($69 / $59) – Visitors who live in Southern California and Baja California, Mexico can now purchase the 2009 "Southern California 2Fer Ticket." This special ticket offers admission to either Disneyland or Disney's California on one day and then to the other park on a second day for the price of a one-day, one-park ticket ($69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3 to 9).

The 2009 promotion also features a return of the "Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket" for $94 for adults / $84 for ages 3-10. This is $25 more than the 2Fer ticket and allows you to visit both Disneyland and DCA on the same day. The offers includes much the same fine print as previous promotions:

The 2Fer ticket is valid for one day at Disneyland park and another day at Disney's California Adventure park , but not for both parks on the same day. The 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket may be used at both parks on the same day.

Tickets expire 30 days from first visit. First visit must occur between January 6, 2009 and June 3, 2009. [Note: This is a full two months longer than the 2008 promotion, and does not exclude the Spring Break period as such offers usually do.]

Each use constitutes one full day of use.

Limit 8 tickets per person, per day with valid ID.

Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use.

Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. [Except for the "What Will You Celebrate?" birthday admission offer as explained below.]

Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

You can purchase these tickets starting January 6, 2009 at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, as well as Disneyland Resort Hotels and Disneyland.com. Vons stores, The Disney Stores and the Disney Desks at places like South Coast Plaza and The Grove may also carry the tickets, but we have not been able to confirm this yet. [Note: in past years, it has taken quite some time for non-Disney outlets to receive the tickets, so don't be surprised if your local Vons store or mall Disney Desk doesn't have them yet.]

The 2009 offer is slightly complicated by the "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion, and special options are available to eligible residents with birthdays between January 6 and June 3.

If you live within the residency area and your birthday is on or between January 6 and June 3, you will receive a "2Fer Birthday Ticket" instead of a one-day, one-park ticket. The 2Fer terms and conditions apply to this ticket.

You must use the first day of your 2Fer on your birthday.

You can upgrade the 2Fer Birthday Ticket to the Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket by paying $25.

The 2Fer ticket is considered valid admission media for the purposes of the "What Will You Celebrate?" offer, so people who already have a 2Fer can receive one of the three Alternate Gifts.

AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $2 off the box-office price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $1 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths (link).

Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $199/$169

Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value)

Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive.

AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$144) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($149) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).

Disney's Armed Forces Salute 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket (Free/$94) – Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket. Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited. For information regarding "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424. Full details of the offer, including eligibility guidelines and other restrictions, are posted on our MousePad discussion board (link).

Four Day Park Hopper Regularly $224/$194

Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value).

Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive.

AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($154) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).

Costco Disneyland Resort Play 4 Days Exchange Certificate – Available through the Costco Web site (link), this $139 ticket (for ages 3 through adult) is good for four one-day admissions to Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. The tickets are non-transferable—the same person must use all four admissions. The ticket expires once the four admissions are used, or on July 31, 2009, whichever comes first. This is not a park-hopper pass, although you could probably use one admission per day at each park, in effect using the four admissions as a two-day park-hopper. The tickets are available only to Costco members who are residents of Southern California. Tickets must be purchased at Costco, with a limit of eight tickets per member per day. It is important to note that the item you purchase at Costco is an "Exchange Certificate," not a valid park passport. Members must exchange the certificate at the Disneyland Resort Ticket booth to receive the Play 4 Days ticket. Proof of California residency in zip codes 90000 through 93599 is required to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket.

Five Day Park Hopper Regularly $244/$214

Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($204/$174) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value).

Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($204/$174) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive.

AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($199/$169) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 5-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($164) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).

Six Day Park Hopper Regularly $249/$219

Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($209/$179) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value).

Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($209/$179) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive.

AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Deluxe Annual Passport
Regulary $269

Costco $50 bonus gift card offer – Costco members can receive a $50 Disneyland gift card when they purchase a Deluxe Disneyland Resort annual passport for $269 at a participating Costco location. The offer should be available at all Southern California Costco stores that currently sell Disneyland admission, but the vouchers may not have arrived in all locations yet. [A list of the 37 Costco locations within 50 miles of the Disneyland Resort is available on our MousePad discussion board (link), and we have noted which locations are confirmed to have these tickets available. If you are a Costco member and live near one of the stores that is not confirmed, please check the next time you're there and then let us know so we can update the list.]

There are no residency restrictions on this ticket, and it can be upgraded to a Deluxe with parking or Premium passport. Better still, the $50 gift card can be applied towards the cost of the upgrades, which nearly pays for the $59 parking option or drops the net cost of a Premium Annual Passport to just $339.

2009 Southern California CityPass
$259/$219

2009 Southern California CityPass ($259/$219) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance).

You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass online from Costco at a cost of $227/$192 (link), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member, and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco!

Hotel / Travel Packages

Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey's Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.

Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three-day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at four DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!, Golden Dreams); Preferred Showing of Turtle Talk with Crush (Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day - one voucher per Guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent.

Alaska Airlines "Kids Fly Free to the Disneyland Resort" promotion – Valid for travel between January 7 and June 17, 2009 when you also book your hotel through the airline. Significant restrictions apply to the promotion, including blockout dates. This offer can be a good deal for some families, but make sure that you compare the total quoted package price against the same elements if purchased a la carte. You may be able to take advantage of other published airfare specials and hotel discounts to create a less expensive vacation package. Unfortunately the Alaska Airlines Web site can be sluggish, making comparison shopping time consuming, but you should definitely do your homework before you buy.

Other Discounts

Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. Additionally, after signing up, your membership card will be mailed to you and be accompanied by a $10 award good for your next visit to a Rainforest Cafe. So if you know you will be eating there while at Disneyland and have a Rainforest Cafe local to you, it may make sense to prejoin the Safari Club so that you can use the award during your trip. See the Rainforest Cafe Web site for details (link).

ESPNZone MVP Club – Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within two weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link).

Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials. Check at the restaurant for menu and price details.

Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland. As always, specifics are subject to change without notice (or occasionally, without us noticing) so when information conflicts between what is presented here and that presented by Disney, it is best to assume Disney's information is correct.

MousePlanet® is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com. This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts of the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. Please call destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information.